Understanding HVAC Ratings before an Air Conditioner Replacement

When you’re looking into an air conditioner replacement, you’ll find that the HVAC industry is filled to the brim with acronyms and baffling terms. You’ll want to get acquainted with some of these acronyms and other common terms to be able to successfully research your purchase—notably the terms that help describe energy efficiency. Let’s go through some of these terms.

What is EER?

EER is an acronym for “energy-efficiency ratio.” It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature is at or above a certain degree. Look for higher ratings on this one because the higher the EER rating is, the more energy efficient the model is. You could be saving money on energy in no time.

ENERGY STAR® Certification

You’ve probably heard of ENERGY STAR certification, but it’s sometimes not explained very well. ENERGY STAR was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The objective was to protect the environment while saving money on energy by using more energy-efficient products. Products must endure rigorous third-party testing and meet all of the requirements to become ENERGY STAR certified. So, when you notice the blue ENERGY STAR label while you’re shopping for an air conditioner replacement, you’ll be certain it will save you money.

ENERGY STAR - Most Efficient

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation recognizes the most efficient products among those that are ENERGY STAR certified. These exceptional products represent the leading edge in energy efficient products each year.

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measure of your air conditioner’s or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The major difference between SEER ratings and EER ratings is that SEER is the degree of an air conditioner’s efficiency over throughout the entire cooling season, rather than its efficiency at a certain temperature level. Like the EER ratings, higher the SEER ratings show the system has better energy efficiency. More energy efficiency leads to more money savings and less of an impact on the environment. If your air conditioner is getting up there in age, the SEER rating could be as low as 8, while newer, more efficient models range from ratings of 13 – 23.

You’ll certainly find more acronyms and unfamiliar terms when you are looking into your air conditioner replacement, but you’ll be a lot more informed by understanding these terms. If you have any questions about terminology you come across in your quest or if you need assistance with your air conditioner replacement, call US Air Heating and Cooling in Rock Hill at 803-220-0761.

With more than 100 years in existence, Lennox has continuously offered industry-leading innovation and technology while preserving strict durability and reliability standards. The professionals at US Air Heating and Cooling help bring those standards to Rock Hill so that you can always have total home comfort. If you’re searching for a new HVAC system or even if you just have a question about what we carry, give us a call at 803-220-0761 or set up an appointment with us online. We’d love to hear from you.